Folkestone and Hythe District Council Kingsnorth Gardens Management Plan 2021 2025
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Folkestone and Hythe District Council
Kingsnorth Gardens Management Plan
2021 – 2025
Folkestone and Hythe District Council 1
Kingsnorth Gardens Management Plan 2021 - 2025
CONTENTS 1 Introduction 4 2 Site Details 5 2.1 Population Distribution 5 2.2 Diverse Countryside 5 2.3 Transport Links 5 2.4 Directions to Kingsnorth Gardens 5 2.5 Folkestone Street Map 6 2.6 Site Description 6 2.7 Aerial Photograph 7 3 Site History 8 3.1 History of Kingsnorth Gardens 8 3.2 Historical Photographs 8 4 Maintenance Plan 9 4.1 Maintenance Map 9 4.2 Grounds Maintenance Specification Table 10 4.3 Park Keepers 11 4.4 Engineering and Buildings 12 4.5 Cleansing Contractor 12 4.6 Management Plan Action Table 13 5 Health and Safety 19 5.1 Introduction 19 5.2 Security 19 5.3 Equipment and Facilities 20 5.4 Chemicals 20 5.5 Vehicles and Machinery 20 5.6 Personal Protection Equipment and Signage 20 6 Facilities 22 6.1 Lawns 22 6.2 Ponds 22 6.3 Furniture and Signage 22 6.4 Annual Bedding 22 6.5 Historic Statues and Features 22 6.6 Herbaceous Borders and Shrubs 22 6.7 Trees 22 6.8 Rockery 23 7 Nature Conservation and Heritage 25 7.1 Ecological Management 25 7.2 Buildings, Footpaths and Structures 25 8 Sustainability 26 8.1 Green Waste and Composting 26 8.2 Peat 26 8.3 Annual Bedding 27 8.4 Waste Management 27 Folkestone and Hythe District Council 2 Kingsnorth Gardens Management Plan 2021 - 2025
8.5 Tree Stock 27 8.6 Grass Cutting 27 8.7 Furniture and Equipment 27 8.8 Chemical Use 28 8.9 Vehicles and Machinery 28 8.10 Horticulture 28 9 Marketing 30 9.1 On Site Signage 30 9.2 Social Media and Web Advertising 30 10 Community Involvement 31 10.1 Folkestone College 31 10.2 Work Experience 32 10.3 Volunteers 32 10.4 Go Folkestone 32 10.5 Art and Events 33 11 List of Appendices 34 Folkestone and Hythe District Council 3 Kingsnorth Gardens Management Plan 2021 - 2025
Introduction
Kingsnorth Gardens has seen investment by Folkestone and Hythe District Council (F&HDC),
Folkestone Town Council and Folkestone College since 2016. This management plan has been
developed to provide a standard that the gardens will be maintained to. It will help to ensure that the
gardens fulfil the vision statement that all parks should:
Provide high quality, attractive recreational spaces with inclusive appeal
Embed sustainability and ecological practices into management
Encourage community involvement through events, volunteering and art
Maintain heritage value while providing modern facilities
This management plan helps in achieving the key principles and service ambitions set out in the
Corporate Plan (2020 -2030) and the department Service Plan.
The five key principles are:
Locally Distinctive
Sustainable Recovery
Greener Folkestone and Hythe
Transparent, Stable, Accountable
Continuous Improvement
The four service ambitions are:
A Thriving Economy
Homes and Infrastructure
Excellent Community Services
Quality Environment
Folkestone and Hythe District Council 4
Kingsnorth Gardens Management Plan 2021 - 2025
2 Site Details 2.1 Population Distribution Folkestone and Hythe District Council covers a total area of 36,525 hectares and encompasses the towns of Folkestone, Hythe, New Romney and Lydd. The population of Folkestone & Hythe is 113,000 (2019). 2.2 Diverse Countryside Kent has a varied and diverse countryside including the largest area of ancient semi-natural woodland of any county in Great Britain. The pattern of agriculture, including fruit, hops and general produce, has earned Kent the title of “Garden of England”. The coastline of Kent stretches for 350 miles from the industrialised Thames-side to the great shingle expense of Dungeness. Along the Medway and Swale estuaries are the mudflats and salt marshes known as the North Kent Marshes. The White Cliffs, around Dover and Folkestone are internationally renowned and have been designated a Heritage Coast by Natural England. There are also numerous attractive towns and villages throughout the region, many of which are relatively quiet and unspoiled. The landscape, attractive settlements and coast represent the major assets of the region. 2.3 Transport links Road The Folkestone / Hythe area is well served by an excellent transportation network. The A259 serves the length of the South East coast from Folkestone to Havant. Junctions 10, 12 and 13 of the M20 motorway link Hythe and Folkestone to the M25 and London and east to Dover. Regular buses travel on the A259, stopping at Folkestone Bus Station. National Express coaches provide a service from Folkestone to London with at least 4 departures each day. Rail The Channel Tunnel Rail Link has increased passenger activity throughout the district, the shuttle operates between Folkestone and Calais, with a 35 minute journey time. Folkestone Central and West stations provide regular services to the rest of the South East and London. The new high speed rail service is available from Folkestone West Station arriving at London St Pancras in just under 1 hour. Sea The Port of Dover is within easy travelling distance from Folkestone. This is a principal passenger service port for the South East providing regular services to France and the wider continent. Passengers using the cruise terminal at Dover Eastern Docks take the opportunity to explore the area before embarking on their cruise. 2.4 Directions to Kingsnorth Gardens By Car Leave the M20 at junction 13 and follow A20 (Cherry Garden Lane) to the second set of traffic lights. Turn left into Cheriton Road (A2034) and continue to the roundabout. Turn right at the roundabout and continue to second roundabout. Complete a U-turn at this roundabout to bring you back towards Radnor Park and turn left into Kingsnorth Gardens before reaching the railway bridge. By Train Leave the train at Folkestone Central Station and turn right, walk under the railway bridge, cross over Kingsnorth Gardens and enter through the gates. Folkestone and Hythe District Council 5 Kingsnorth Gardens Management Plan 2021 - 2025
By Bus From Folkestone Bus Station walk away from the town centre along Cheriton Gardens, just before the railway bridge the entrance to the gardens is on your left. 2.5 Folkestone Street Map 2.6 Site Description Kingsnorth Gardens is a 1.3 hectare ornamental gardens in the heart of Folkestone. The site was originally excavated by the owner, John Kingsnorth and this material used for brick making. Subsequently used as a landfill site, the area fell into disrepair and following complaints from the public, the gardens were laid out in 1926 by Mr G E Roden, Parks Superintendent for the Town Council. Today the gardens are a mix of Oriental, Italian and English styles. Fountains and historic statues add interest to the site which is used for quiet recreation, simply enjoying the peaceful surroundings in the centre of the busy townscape. The gardens can be split into 3 sections Upper, Central and Lower. Upper Gardens This section is the subject of the winter gardens and pergola project. The original rose beds had suffered disease and soil degradation and were unsustainable in terms of plant health and maintenance. The beds were stripped and laid to lawn to allow the soil to rest before embarking on the regeneration project. There is scope to provide a more invertebrate friendly area of the gardens so the 4 large lawns will become wild flower meadows with long flowering bulb mixes and wild flower turf. The old pergola will be replaced with a new structure surrounding a central cherry tree and hard landscaping by the students and staff of Folkestone College in 2021. The area behind the pergola, spreading out to the rockery will be planted as a winter garden, with plants which either flower in winter or have striking winter stems, seed heads and foliage. Central Gardens The central gardens feature the four ponds, clipped yew hedges and the weeping ash tree. The ponds support goldfish, amphibians and aquatic invertebrates. The 2 large rectangular ponds have fountains which add to the visual geometry of the section and the sound of moving water enhances the quiet and relaxing feel of the gardens. Folkestone College have assisted in renovating the dry stone walls and paving, giving the area a smart, formal identity. The weeping ash tree is over 100 Folkestone and Hythe District Council 6 Kingsnorth Gardens Management Plan 2021 - 2025
years old and does have dieback within the crown. Retention of this stunning tree is important so it is carefully monitored and managed to preserve its place for as long as it is safe to do so. Lower Gardens Formal lawns intersected with paths, annual bedding and specimen trees dominate the lower gardens. Acers and tall Chamaerops draw visitors into the gardens adding height to the spring and summer bedding displays. The lawns are box mown and the soft edges of the herbaceous perimeter planting accentuate the sharp geometric beds. The lower gardens erupt with colour in the spring with the shrimp-pink foliage of the Acers set against the green lawns and intricate bedding displays. This section showcases the best of traditional municipal gardens with ample seating for visitors to simply sit, relax and enjoy! 2.7 Aerial Photograph Folkestone and Hythe District Council 7 Kingsnorth Gardens Management Plan 2021 - 2025
3 Site History The name ‘Kingsnorth Gardens’ can be attributed to John Kingsnorth who was once a tenant farmer at Ingles Farm. He excavated the site of for brickearth and produced bricks for local building projects. The kilns were located near to the railway arch that spans Cheriton Road. Following excavation, the site was turned over to allotments but became a landfill site. Following complaints the town Council began to consider developing it. Notions of a Town Hall or Municipal Offices were quickly dismissed as being too costly and the idea of an ornamental garden started to emerge. The suggestion was eagerly accepted and the Parks Committee received instructions to proceed with the creation of a garden. The Parks Superintendent of the time was a Mr G.E. Roden, who orchestrated the planning and construction of the gardens. Work began in 1926 with a workforce of unemployed men and a budget of £3,500. The design was typical of the time, a blend of garden styles from Oriental to Italianate, suffused with English eccentricity. The upper garden was to consist of a shelter and terrace overlooking the rose garden. Pergolas were erected for the climbing roses, providing shaded walks where the sight and scent of the roses could be appreciated at eye level. Over 2000 roses were planted. The central garden consisted of lawns and formal ponds – two large and two small, the large two complete with fountains, waterlilies and goldfish. The centrepiece was the stunning weeping ash tree, which was transplanted from its’ original location in Sandgate Road. Beyond the pools, the lower garden was largely laid to lawn with a combination of formal flowerbeds and the stunning acers (Acer pseudoplatanus ‘Brilliantissimum’) with their unique shrimp-pink spring foliage. The perimeter of the site was strengthened with planting of more ornamental trees and shrubs and herbaceous borders laid out around the outer path network. 500 groups of 12 plants formed the herbaceous borders, taller plants at the rear of the border and lower plants towards the front. The rockery show cased alpine plants in the sunniest part of the garden. There were also various stone features, including an oriental lantern and statues of Sir Jeffrey Hudson and Pan located near the rockery. Today the shelter has been removed with only pergolas remaining. Due to disease and poor soil, the rose garden has been removed and there are exciting plans to re-design the area in a more modern, sustainable manner. 3.1 Historical Photographs Folkestone and Hythe District Council 8 Kingsnorth Gardens Management Plan 2021 - 2025
4 Maintenance Plan
The Horticultural Senior Specialist has managerial control over staff who maintain the site.
Gardening staff are assisted by park keepers who are responsible for cleansing of the park. The
lawns, herbaceous borders, annual bedding displays and ponds are all maintained by the small
team. Trees are maintained by the Arboricultural Senior Specialist with tree surveys taking place at
least every other year. The budget for Kingsnorth Gardens is included within the wider Grounds
Maintenance service budget.
There are small buildings onsite for storage and staff facilities which are maintained by the
Engineering and Buildings team along with the park furniture, fountains and pumps.
The manager allocates work in accordance with the maintenance schedules, key principles, risk
assessments and best horticultural practice. The risk assessments are available to view on request
as are all other documents relating to Health and Safety (COSHH, Safety Data Sheets etc). The
gardening staff are responsible for ensuring all day to day duties within the park are completed in a
timely fashion and to a high standard.
The manager makes regular inspections to ensure works are carried out to the correct standard and
frequency. The manager also selects planting required for annual bedding displays, gapping up and
newly cleared areas including trees and hedging.
Park Keepers manage the cleansing of the major parks in Folkestone including Kingsnorth Gardens.
They collect intelligence regarding breaches of dog fouling and littering bylaws and can issue
warnings to the public. Intelligence is passed on to the Environmental Enforcement Officers who
can then issue fixed penalty notices. The 2 teams of 3, work on a 4 on 4 off system during the
summer, reduced down to 2 teams of 1 person during the quieter winter months.
4.1 Maintenance Map
Kingsnorth Gardens Maintenance
Annual Bedding
Footpath
Footpath Steps
Grass Cutting
Hedge Cutting
Herbaceous Border
Operational Depot
Rockery
Shrub Bed
Ponds
Wildflower Meadow
Winter Garden
Naturalised Bulbs
20 10 0 20 Meters
¯ Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database
rights Folkestone & Hythe District Council 100019677 - 2020
Folkestone and Hythe District Council 9
Kingsnorth Gardens Management Plan 2021 - 2025
4.2 Grounds Maintenance Specification Table
The table below details the main maintenance operations carried out by the gardeners and should
be read alongside the map above for activity locations. There is a real sense of ownership and pride
in the site from the staff which is entrenched by constant feedback from park users.
Area Operation Frequency
All lawns mown with distinctive striping. Weekly during summer,
Arisings collected and removed to fortnightly or as ground
Grass Cutting
composting site. conditions allow during
winter
Scarification, feeding, pest control, top Following good
Lawn care
dressing, seeding, watering horticultural practise
Hand weeding, edging, splitting,
Monthly dependant on
Herbaceous Border replanting, dead heading and pruning to
season
maintain plant health. Cutting back old
growth and removing debris
Allow 6 - 8 weeks after
Crocus and daffodils allowed to
flowering before
Naturalised Bulbs naturalise. Grass cutting and strimming
maintenance operations
regimes are adjusted to allow die back
resume
and bulb regeneration.
Pruning to ensure good plant health and
Shrubs Annual or as required
maintain safe access. Replanting as
required.
Ensure good plant health and layer
As and when required.
vegetation under the canopy. Replace
Tree survey carried out
dead, diseased or dying specimens with
Trees at least every 2 years by
suitable species. Leave dead wood on
Arboricultural Senior
site where practical to create wildlife
Specialist
habitats.
Seasonal displays (Spring and
Summer), plant out twice per year.
Biannually planting
Annual Bedding Remove all existing plant material,
Weekly weeding
rotovate soil, add compost as required,
clip grass edges and plant out as per
design.
Maintain all hedges on site at least twice
Hedge Cutting per year outside of bird nesting season. Biannually
Remove all clippings from site.
Clip by hand to maintain good shape.
Yew Hedges Late summer
Arisings removed to compost site
Ensure plants are healthy and provide
Ponds and As required, on-going
sufficient oxygen / habitat for fish, fry,
Fountains maintenance
newts and other pond dwelling wildlife
Folkestone and Hythe District Council 10
Kingsnorth Gardens Management Plan 2021 - 2025Ensure fountains and pumps are in Report any defects to
good working order Engineering and
Monitor pond structure for leaks Buildings team to effect
Ensure surrounding slabs and pump repairs
housings are in good working order
Ensure electrical items are safe
Monitor goldfish and ensure stock is
healthy and disease free
All green waste to be taken to Hawkinge
Green Waste Daily or as required
Cemetery for in house composting.
Report any defects to
Statues and Ensure statues are securely fixed in Engineering and
heritage features position and in a good state of repair Buildings team to effect
repairs
Report any defects to
Ensure all benches, litter bins, signage,
Engineering and
Street Furniture pergolas, fencing and gates are in good
Buildings team to effect
state of repair and serviceable
repairs
Report any defects to
Maintain all surfaces and walls to high
Engineering and
Walls and pathways standard and monitor the same for
Buildings team to effect
defects
repairs
Ensure buildings are clean and tidy with
all tools, equipment and machinery Portaloo emptied and
stored safely. Ensure portaloo is clean cleaned weekly by
Staff Depot
and regularly emptied. Staff notices in contractor. Staff upkeep
mess room to be relevant and regularly of machinery store daily
updated
The gardening staff are also required to
Inspect vehicle and trailer daily, complete inspection sheet and arrange any repairs with the
F&HDC Mechanics
Ensure completed relevant paperwork is returned to manager
Liaise with the Park Keepers on issues regarding cleanliness /graffiti
Ensure all works on site are carried out safely
Ensure all tools are safe and properly maintained
Liaise with Police, public and other site users as necessary
4.3 Park Keepers
The Park Keepers are a mobile crew who tend to the major parks in Folkestone including Kingsnorth
Gardens. All duties listed below are undertaken by members of this team, ensuring that the park is
clean and safe while providing a point of contact for the public.
Daily
Empty all litter bins as necessary, replace sacks and remove bagged waste to tip
Folkestone and Hythe District Council 11
Kingsnorth Gardens Management Plan 2021 - 2025 Thoroughly litter pick all areas, paths and steps as necessary Sweep paths and steps as necessary including beneath benches Remove broken glass immediately Remove fallen leaves (autumn) Inspect street furniture, inform Engineering and Buildings team of any issues Remove graffiti immediately or request Area Officer to assist as required Liaise with Police and other partner agencies as requested or required Advise public of relevant dog fouling and littering bylaws and collect intelligence as appropriate Assist visitors as required and ensure facilities are used appropriately Remove and report any sharps finds Weekly Ensure all paths are walked and inspected, clean instances of graffiti, litter picking, report defects Clean all signs Clean bird droppings from seating Report all instances of fly tipping to office for clearance by contractor 4.4 Engineering and Buildings Maintain drive and footpath surfaces Maintain ponds, fountains and pumps Maintain all buildings Manage hired portaloo (staff use) Maintain furniture on site 4.5 Cleansing Contractor Supply rubbish sacks Remove all reported fly tipping Folkestone and Hythe District Council 12 Kingsnorth Gardens Management Plan 2021 - 2025
4.6 2021 – 2025 Management Action Plan
Area Timescale
Comments Objective Delivered
Maintenance Plan 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Provide high quality, attractive
Maintain gardens as required to recreational spaces with inclusive
provide a usable space for private X X X X X Ongoing appeal
recreation Maintain heritage value while providing
modern facilities
Provide high quality, attractive
recreational spaces with inclusive
Engineering and Buildings
Re-pointing paving slabs around ponds X appeal
/ Possibly FC Maintain heritage value while providing
modern facilities
Provide high quality, attractive
recreational spaces with inclusive
appeal
Engineering and Buildings
Install exterior flood light to depot X Embed sustainability and ecological
team practices into management
Maintain heritage value while providing
modern facilities
Health and Safety 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Comments Objectives Delivered
Provide high quality, attractive
Risk assessment, COSHH, safety data recreational spaces with inclusive
sheets - monitor and update X X X X X Ongoing good practise appeal
Embed sustainability and ecological
practices into management
Ongoing good practice. Provide high quality, attractive
recreational spaces with inclusive
Staff Health Surveillance including Specialist HAVS ware
X X X X appeal
HAVS purchased to monitor Embed sustainability and ecological
daily exposure practices into management
Provide high quality, attractive
recreational spaces with inclusive
Continue to invest in battery powered
X X X X X Ongoing appeal
or low vibration equipment Embed sustainability and ecological
practices into management
Provide high quality, attractive
Inspections occur at least recreational spaces with inclusive
Tree Inspections X X
biennially appeal
Folkestone and Hythe District Council 13
Kingsnorth Gardens Management Plan 2021 - 2025Embed sustainability and ecological
practices into management
Maintain heritage value while providing
modern facilities
Facilities 2021 2022 2023 2024 2024 Comments Objectives Delivered
Provide high quality, attractive
recreational spaces with inclusive
Specific areas currently appeal
Embed sustainability and ecological
laid to lawn to be replaced
Rose Garden re-design X X practices into management
with wildflower and / or Encourage community involvement
bulb meadows phased through events, volunteering and art
Maintain heritage value while providing
modern facilities
Provide high quality, attractive
recreational spaces with inclusive
appeal
Replace damaged bins in
Furniture survey X X Embed sustainability and ecological
keeping with newer ones practices into management
Maintain heritage value while providing
modern facilities
Provide high quality, attractive
Working with Folkestone
recreational spaces with inclusive
College staff and students appeal
to repair walls and paths Embed sustainability and ecological
Paths and walls X X X using traditional methods. practices into management
Use external contractors Encourage community involvement
through events, volunteering and art
where issues too large for
Maintain heritage value while providing
FC modern facilities
Redesign area with Provide high quality, attractive
specific focus on winter recreational spaces with inclusive
appeal
Winter Garden X colour and impact. Embed sustainability and ecological
Internal and FC / practices into management
Volunteers
Folkestone and Hythe District Council 14
Kingsnorth Gardens Management Plan 2021 - 2025Encourage community involvement
through events, volunteering and art
Maintain heritage value while providing
modern facilities
Provide high quality, attractive
recreational spaces with inclusive
Re-plant with Japanese appeal
style planting to provide Embed sustainability and ecological
Rockery X X X year round floral interest. practices into management
Internal and FC / Encourage community involvement
through events, volunteering and art
Volunteers
Maintain heritage value while providing
modern facilities
Provide high quality, attractive
Working with FC design
recreational spaces with inclusive
students, replace all appeal
signage with corporate Embed sustainability and ecological
Signage X style entrance signs, practices into management
information panels and Encourage community involvement
through events, volunteering and art
relevant bylaws / desired
Maintain heritage value while providing
behaviours while onsite modern facilities
Provide high quality, attractive
recreational spaces with inclusive
appeal
Re-paint and repair gates
Gates X Embed sustainability and ecological
as necessary. practices into management
Maintain heritage value while providing
modern facilities
Provide high quality, attractive
Possible staff / Work recreational spaces with inclusive
appeal
Experience / Bumblebee
Wildlife monitoring X X X X X Embed sustainability and ecological
Conservation Trust practices into management
Encourage community involvement
through events, volunteering and art
Folkestone and Hythe District Council 15
Kingsnorth Gardens Management Plan 2021 - 2025Provide high quality, attractive
recreational spaces with inclusive
appeal
Sustainable planting (including trees
X X X X X Ongoing Embed sustainability and ecological
and shrubs practices into management
Maintain heritage value while providing
modern facilities
Provide high quality, attractive
recreational spaces with inclusive
Engage with Bumblebee appeal
Embed sustainability and ecological
Planting wildflower and or bulb Conservation Trust
X X practices into management
meadows in upper gardens volunteers Encourage community involvement
through events, volunteering and art
Maintain heritage value while providing
modern facilities
Provide high quality, attractive
recreational spaces with inclusive
appeal
Ward Grant bid submitted
Pan statue renovation X Encourage community involvement
(Cllr Davison) through events, volunteering and art
Maintain heritage value while providing
modern facilities
Environmental Sustainability 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Comments Objectives Delivered
Embed sustainability and ecological
practices into management
Respond to the Climate Crisis declared See section 8 for full Encourage community involvement
X X X X X through events, volunteering and art
by the council in 2020 details
Maintain heritage value while providing
modern facilities
Embed sustainability and ecological
Continue in-house composting practices into management
X X X X X Ongoing Maintain heritage value while providing
operation
modern facilities
Folkestone and Hythe District Council 16
Kingsnorth Gardens Management Plan 2021 - 2025Provide high quality, attractive
Dependant on success on recreational spaces with inclusive
appeal
Assess need / viability of litter and other sites and availability
X Embed sustainability and ecological
recyclables compound of suitable location in practices into management
gardens Maintain heritage value while providing
modern facilities
Dependant on success on Embed sustainability and ecological
Investigate possibility of on-site other sites and availability practices into management
X X Maintain heritage value while providing
compost of suitable location in modern facilities
gardens
Provide high quality, attractive
Minimise powered tool use in favour of recreational spaces with inclusive
mechanical gardening methods and X X X X X Ongoing appeal
battery technology Embed sustainability and ecological
practices into management
Provide high quality, attractive
Minimise vehicle movement where recreational spaces with inclusive
possible by utilising tracker technology X X X X X Ongoing appeal
Embed sustainability and ecological
practices into management
Marketing 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Comments Objectives Delivered
Provide high quality, attractive
recreational spaces with inclusive
Grounds Maintenance appeal
Welcome signs X potentially working with Embed sustainability and ecological
FC practices into management
Maintain heritage value while providing
modern facilities
Provide high quality, attractive
recreational spaces with inclusive
appeal
Monitor all signs / sign posts etc X X X X X Replace as required Embed sustainability and ecological
practices into management
Maintain heritage value while providing
modern facilities
Folkestone and Hythe District Council 17
Kingsnorth Gardens Management Plan 2021 - 2025Provide high quality, attractive
recreational spaces with inclusive
Increase use of social media to Communication and
appeal
advertise events / promote site / X X X X X Engagement Team Encourage community involvement
volunteer opportunities through events, volunteering and art
Community Involvement 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Comments Objectives Delivered
Provide high quality, attractive
recreational spaces with inclusive
Grounds Maintenance appeal
Continue to work with volunteers under
X X X X X Communities Team Embed sustainability and ecological
the Volunteer Charter practices into management
Area Officers
Encourage community involvement
through events, volunteering and art
Provide high quality, attractive
recreational spaces with inclusive
appeal
Continue to work with Go Folkestone
X X Grounds Maintenance Encourage community involvement
on projects around historic features through events, volunteering and art
Maintain heritage value while providing
modern facilities
Provide high quality, attractive
Working with Folkestone
recreational spaces with inclusive
College staff and students appeal
to replace existing Embed sustainability and ecological
Pergola Project X X pergolas, paving slabs practices into management
and introduce planting to Encourage community involvement
through events, volunteering and art
compliment the new
Maintain heritage value while providing
structure modern facilities
Provide high quality, attractive
Encourage use of the gardens by recreational spaces with inclusive
Promote on Apply4 and
community groups for suitable small X X X X X appeal
website Encourage community involvement
events and art projects
through events, volunteering and art
Folkestone and Hythe District Council 18
Kingsnorth Gardens Management Plan 2021 - 20255 Health and Safety 5.1 Introduction Folkestone and Hythe District Council is required by law to state its policy for managing health, safety and welfare. Good health and safety at work is a task shared by Members, Corporate Leadership Team, employees and contractors alike. All employees are required, as a condition of their service, to comply with Folkestone and Hythe District Council policies and procedures. It is essential that the relevant risk assessments (RA’s) and Safe Systems of Work (SSW’s) are read and understood by every employee. These are reviewed annually or when necessary to take account of any new circumstances that might affect validity. The GM team have a suite of task specific RA’s that will, where necessary, be supported by service and corporate policy statements and/or codes of practice. These are set out in the SSW or other specific requirements relating to current Health and Safety at Work legislation. Where there is a reliance on SSW, in house training will be provided. All managers have undertaken a 4 day H&S Managing Safely course provided by IOSH. This equips managers with the ability to assess risk in their own individual areas for tasks which their staff undertake. All seasonal employees are provided with an H&S briefing where all the pertinent RA’s and SSW are read through. All employees are encouraged to contribute to the documents, ensuring that these dynamic documents remain relevant and practical. RA’s are held electronically and hard copies are held at each depot. Some tasks particularly those relating to chemical use and tree works require onsite RA’s, all staff are trained to complete these forms. All these documents are available to view on request at the Civic Centre. Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome monitoring is undertaken alongside annual health monitoring (hearing and vision tests, whole body vibration testing, health screening questionnaire) for all staff. Gardening staff use HAVS monitors that digitally measure their daily exposure. Data is collected daily and notifications sent to individual managers for assessment. Daily vibration exposure log books are available should there be technical issues with the HAVS ware. These monitors are dynamic in their application and have been recently used to maintain social distancing of staff, ensuring smooth service provision through the Covid-19 pandemic. 5.2 Security Facilities are in place to ensure Kingsnorth Gardens and its visitors are safe and secure. The perimeter is fenced with gates to each entrance, shrub borders soften the fencing and inside the gardens the site feels open with views across the site. The staff depot is secured with double gates to control access. The site is open at all times but entrance gates can be locked overnight should antisocial behaviour become an issue. In addition to Police response and patrols, Police Community Support Officers (PCSO’s) patrol the gardens during the day and into the late evening to discourage anti-social behaviour and disperse any individuals or groups who may be abusing the equipment or facilities. They are a friendly and approachable presence who can help the public with any problems or queries regarding local issues. F&HDC employs Environmental Enforcement Officers to investigate and enforce environmental incidents and crimes. They are able to deal with dog fouling, fly tipping, abandoned vehicles and a wide range of other community issues. They patrol the gardens regularly at times when dog fouling is likely to occur (e.g. early mornings) which has proven very effective in educating visitors and reducing incidences. Folkestone and Hythe District Council 19 Kingsnorth Gardens Management Plan 2021 - 2025
Area Officers are also employed to provide a point of contact for residents and visitors. They are
allocated specific areas within the district and build up extensive knowledge of their own particular
patch. They organise and lead work parties, remove graffiti, recruit volunteers and unite the local
community through effective liaison and conflict resolution.
5.3 Equipment and Facilities
All staff are provided with uniforms so they are easily identified, wearing practical high-viz clothing
bearing the council logo. The inspections carried out by staff mean that defects are quickly noticed
and rectified. Should a defect prove to be beyond the capability of the on-site staff, the Engineering
and Buildings team is allocated the job to complete. A team of six Maintenance Officers with a wide
skills base are able to attend site and repair or replace most street furniture and equipment. A range
of electrical and mechanical engineering contractors are also available.
5.4 Chemicals
Chemical use is kept to a minimum in the gardens although it is unavoidable in some circumstances.
The gardeners are trained in pesticide storage and spraying (City and Guilds NPTC PA1 and PA6).
Although this is a qualification for life, staff undergo refresher training every 5 years. Before any
spraying operation the relevant paper work is completed and held on file for future reference.
The Technician monitors all chemical use and keeps records of all spraying operations and
chemicals kept at depots. Safety data and COSHH sheets are kept for each chemical and the
technician ensures chemicals are not kept beyond their using up period. Each depot has chemical
and fuel stores clearly marked with relevant safety warning signs. There is also a flambank for
storing fuel. All documents relating to chemical and fuel use are available to view on request.
5.5 Vehicles and Machinery
The Parks Team have a Ford Ranger and large trailer and a Kawasaki Mule. Each morning before
starting the vehicles the staff complete daily checks. This system ensures that the vehicles remain
in good condition and any faults can be quickly rectified by the F&HDC mechanics.
All machinery is serviced annually and the manager ensures this is carried out. Small electric tools
and equipment are subject to Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) every 12 months.
5.6 Personal Protective Equipment and Signage
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is issued to all staff to be worn at all times or when
appropriate. The uniform has been developed through discussions with the staff, managers and
health and safety officer. The basic kit consists of
Steel toe capped and mid soled boots
Brush cutter trousers with high-viz strips
Polo shirt with F&HDC logo
Body warmer with embroidered F&HDC logo
Sweater with F&HDC logo
High-viz coat with F&HDC logo
Waterproof jacket and trousers
Baseball cap with F&HDC logo
Sun protection cream
Gloves – different types are available depending on personal preference or task in hand
Forestry helmets with ear and face protection
Chemical spray suit including wellington boots, chemical resistant gloves and face shield
Leptospirosis awareness card. This provides staff with advice on how to reduce the risk of
contracting Leptospirosis (Weil’s Disease). The card also serves to inform medical services
that the card holder is at risk.
Folkestone and Hythe District Council 20
Kingsnorth Gardens Management Plan 2021 - 2025Certain members of staff require a more extensive or different kit such as the Arborists who must wear clothing to protect them from chainsaw injury. When working near ponds and water courses, staff may require waders, floatation suits, life jackets and water proof gloves. All vehicles and depots are equipped with a fully stocked first aid kit. These are checked annually or as used to ensure all salient items are included and that they are not past the best before date. All staff complete an annual day long first aid course and there are a number of staff in each area who undertake the longer 3 day course certification. All teams are provided with mobile telephones but where Lone Working is unavoidable staff are made aware of the policy, risk assessments, emergency procedures and must check in with their manager or another team member at regular intervals. Signage is used on site to warn the public of maintenance operations occurring. Grass cutting and hedge cutting signs are commonly used especially on narrow pathways, car parking areas or secluded spots. Staff are encouraged to use common sense when carrying out operations. In the case of injury or damage to a visitor or their property staff fill in the relevant paperwork and hand the visitor a letter from the insurance officer detailing how claims are dealt with and providing contact details. Folkestone and Hythe District Council 21 Kingsnorth Gardens Management Plan 2021 - 2025
6 Facilities 6.1 Lawns Formal lawns dominate the central and lower gardens, these are box mown weekly during the growing season. Maintenance operations including striping, feeding, pest control and watering to achieve a high quality sward. Visitors use them for sun bathing, reading and picnics. Interspersed with seasonal bedding, ponds and specimen trees and hedging they give the gardens its typically English feel. 6.2 Ponds There are four ponds in the central area of the gardens, 2 are large and rectangular while 2 are small and circular. The rectangular ponds, complete with water fountains are stocked with large goldfish, waterlilies and oxygenating plants. They also provide a home for good populations of smooth newts, frogs and the larvae of damsel and dragonflies. The surrounding hard landscaping is formed of slabs with seating and litter bins around the central weeping ash tree. Sympathetic brick cupboards house the pumps and electric supply for the fountains. 6.3 Furniture and Signage Litter bins and benches are dotted around the site allowing visitors to rest and relax in the quiet of the gardens. Signage encourages visitors to use the site responsibly and gives relevant contact details. Furniture is selected to reflect the formal nature of the gardens and the site is a popular choice for donated benches. New applications for donated memorial benches are administered through the Business Support team. The pergola in the upper section is to be replaced in conjunction with Folkestone College (see section 8 for further information). 6.4 Annual Bedding Found in the lawns of the lower gardens and along the edges of walling in the central garden, annual bedding is a popular feature and forms the back drop for many wedding photos. Having been a feature of formal municipal gardens for decades, F&HDC strives to make its displays as sustainable as possible. Plants are carefully selected to be attractive to pollinators, re-used in other displays, grown in sustainable media and finally composted in house to produce high quality mulches. 6.5 Historic Statues and Features Dotted around the garden are statues, original dry stone walls and an oriental stone lantern. The lantern forms a central focus in the lower gardens and the statues depict Sir Jeffrey Hudson and Pan. It is not known how either statue came to be in the gardens and Sir Jeffrey, also known as Lord Minimus has been refurbished following a community led project. Both statues are framed with foliage from the herbaceous borders, the contrast in colours highlighting their presence. 6.6 Herbaceous borders and Shrubs Softening the fencing surrounding the gardens, the borders showcase flowers, shrubs and bulbs throughout the year. They also provide sensory experiences for visitors, nectar sources for pollinators, habitat for insects and small mammals and autumnal fruits for birds. 6.7 Trees Specimen trees are integral to the overall design of the main gardens, complimented by those planted in the perimeter. Species such as Foxglove tree (Paulownia tomentosa), black pine (Pinus nigra), Cypress tree (Cupressus spp), silver birch (Betula pendula) and Judas tree (Cercis siliquastrum) give splashes of colour with blooms and foliage. The main aim is to manage trees and woodland areas to sustain and increase amenity, heritage, recreational and nature conservation value over time. Folkestone and Hythe District Council 22 Kingsnorth Gardens Management Plan 2021 - 2025
Key objectives are to:-
Create a diverse canopy, increase species and age structure
Maintain and enhance the woodlands biodiversity value
Improve the woodland amenity
Monitor all reaches for Ash Dieback
Remove ivy from trees
Leave standing deadwood as appropriate
Create log piles
The Arboricultural Senior Specialist carries out a tree survey every other year in the gardens. The
council purchased a GPS/GIS software package (MyTrees) to record all tree surveys. The team at
MyTrees start with a comprehensive survey of the tree stock across all sites. Each tree is surveyed
and recorded in terms of species, spread, age, height, maintenance works etc. This is then
downloaded and added to the GIS database. Where appropriate trees are grouped and this is the
case for sections of the RMC and Coastal Park. The initial survey indicated that there are
3,875 individual trees
365 trees in groups (small dense tree groups in parks)
22,201 tree groups (RMC/ Coastal Park predominantly)
MyTrees records tree stock on a centrally held database accessed through a remote server. The
software enables management of tree stock by updating and adding records where necessary,
allocating work to the in-house team of arborists and used as a tool to demonstrate that the
council are actively managing their tree stock. Once works have been completed, the database is
updated accordingly. Newly planted trees are simply added to the database.
6.8 Rockery and Winter Garden
Situated in the upper gardens, the rockery is a dry south facing area which was once planted with
sub-tropical species of trees, plants and alpines. The traditional planting has been modernised,
updated and redesigned with innovative Japanese style species which are more sustainable, having
a low watering requirement. Inspired by the winter walk at RHS Harlow, the winter garden uses
textures, brightly coloured stems and foliage, winter flowering and berry bearing species to enliven
the upper gardens in the cold, dark months.
Spring colour in the gardens Ponds and yew box hedging
Folkestone and Hythe District Council 23
Kingsnorth Gardens Management Plan 2021 - 2025Herbaceous planting Upper garden proposed wildflower / bulb lawns
Chinese lantern Rockery
Folkestone and Hythe District Council 24
Kingsnorth Gardens Management Plan 2021 - 20257 Nature Conservation and Heritage 7.1 Ecological Management Though formal in their character, the gardens offer suitable habitat for many insects, birds, pond dwellers and small mammals. Ecological opportunities exist across the site and with some sensitive management and a sound ecological ethos, biodiversity can thrive. The upper section of the gardens has a more natural feel with large trees and shrubs offering shelter and a food source important for birds. The Pergola Project includes the whole area from the western entrance down past the rockery and on to the formal lawns and ponds of the central gardens. Once constructed, the new pergola will support climbing plants allowing pollinators to gather nectar at higher levels than in the traditional beds. The rockery will feature oriental planting with large open flowers, attractive to bees and other insects. Contrasting with the manicured lawns of the central and lower gardens, the upper lawns are to be laid with wildflower turfs and planted with long flowering bulb mixtures. This trial could be rolled out on other sites, should it prove successful. The central section features ponds with good populations of amphibians, insect larvae and other pond dwelling fauna. Despite the formal nature of the ponds and the presence of goldfish, the habitat is able to support a wide variety of wildlife. The lower gardens are very formal with clipped lawns and seasonal bedding displays. Every effort is made to ensure these areas offer opportunities for wild species with open flowers, good nectar sources, close to year round flowering and early forage species, particularly important to bumblebees. The perimeter hedge, trees and adjacent shrub and herbaceous borders provide shelter and food sources for a variety of fauna especially birds. 7.2 Buildings, Footpaths and Structures The maintenance of staff depot buildings, structures and infrastructure is undertaken by the Engineering and Buildings team. FC students have been repairing some of the dry stone walls on site, giving them valuable practical skills. The on-site staff report any footpath issues to the Engineering and Buildings team for attention. Small issues are repaired by the maintenance officers and larger works may be completed by contractors if the resource or technical skill is not available in house. The majority of the paths in the gardens were resurfaced in 2019 /2020. The gardens is home to an oriental Chinese lantern and statues of Pan and Sir Jeffrey Hudson. Sir Jeffrey has been recently renovated following a community led project. The lantern sits in the centre of the lower gardens and is currently in satisfactory condition, considering its age. The manager is currently working with Go Folkestone and a Councillor to secure a Ward Grant to restore the statue of Pan. Folkestone and Hythe District Council 25 Kingsnorth Gardens Management Plan 2021 - 2025
8 Sustainability
Folkestone & Hythe District Council declared a climate emergency along with many other councils
in 2019 and a budget of £10m has been set aside for initiatives which will help the council hit its net-
zero carbon emissions by 2030.
A low carbon and sustainability specialist has been appointed to support the Climate and Ecological
Emergency Working Group which is in the process of producing a Carbon Action Plan.
In the short term the council has made the following moves towards the 2030 goal:
Planting 900 trees across the district in 2019/20 including small, native and semi-mature trees
Planting wildflower areas and managing land to promote biodiversity
Reducing strimmer use and pesticide application around trees and obstacles where
suitable.
Purchasing battery operated grounds maintenance equipment where suitable to replace
petrol powered equipment
Managing Kingsnorth Gardens in a sustainable manner is accepted as essential for its longevity. In
the wider Council it is common place to consider sustainability in all functions.
Many daily activities can be reduced or made “greener” such as turning lights and other electrical
items off and reducing the amount of paper used in the office.
Office and washroom lighting is motion activated and all toilet facilities are fitted with low flush, touch
free systems.
8.1 Green Waste and Composting
95% of in - house produced green waste is processed (mulched and composted) at Hawkinge
depot.
In place since 2010, this reduces the need to buy compost or mulch from external companies,
reducing transport and waste costs.
It reduces the need to water newly planted shrubs or bushes by providing a protective barrier.
The use of mulch reduces the use of pesticides used to stop weeds competing with the new
plants.
In the last year localised composting units have been installed in key areas such as East Cliff.
This reduces the need to move the green waste to Hawkinge to be composted.
Other local options, such as New Romney Depot, Kingsnorth Gardens and the Coastal Park
are being investigated.
8.2 Peat
The GM department never use raw peat, when purchasing potted plants and other nursery
stock including bedding plants, nurseries are asked to supply a certificate stating peat
sustainability.
60% of summer 2020 bedding plants have been purchased in peat free growing media.
Tree stock purchased from our preferred supplier has been peat free since autumn 2012.
Aim to be 100% peat free by 2025.
Folkestone and Hythe District Council 26
Kingsnorth Gardens Management Plan 2021 - 20258.3 Annual Bedding
All seasonal bedding is grown in reusable trays which are returned to the supplier for reuse.
All perennial seasonal plants are replanted in various herbaceous borders across the
district.
All seasonal bedding is grown in reusable trays that are sent back to the supplier for reuse.
8.4 Waste Management
The main parks are popular spots for family picnics and gatherings.
Visitors are encouraged to either take their recycling home and to put litter in the bins
provided
3 double compounds (general waste & recyclables) have been installed to tackle excessive
waste in the Coastal Park. A similar compound could be installed in the gardens if a need is
identified.
8.5 Tree Stock
F&HDC has 3,875 individual tress found within its parks and open spaces.
There are a further 22,201 trees contained within groups and woodlands such as those on
the Leas Escarpment and the Royal Military Canal.
Last year GM planted in excess of 900 new trees.
Future planting - it is intended to reduce the number of trees planted in parks and open
spaces over the coming years in order to ensure their establishment.
There is limited resource available for the watering and aftercare of newly planted trees and
as a result young trees often fail due to drought.
In order for tree planting to be more successful F&HDC will be planting between thirty to
forty trees so that all of them receive appropriate aftercare providing net gain over the next
ten years.
8.6 Grass Cutting
GM maintains open spaces in-line with their use and to ensure the character of the area.
The total cuts per year can be dependent on many factors.
Areas such as the Leas and Parks can be cut every two weeks, wild areas on the canal
may be just twice per year. In Kingsnorth Gardens grass cutting is intensive but plans are
underway to introduce biodiversity friendly meadows on some of the lawns.
GM managers have been working on identifying areas where cutting regimes can be
reduced to help increase biodiversity and reduce all environmental impacts.
8.7 Furniture and Equipment
GM has invested in electric equipment where appropriate;
1 long reach hedge cutter
7 hedge cutters
4 drills
4chainsaws
2 pole saws
The 5 year capital investment plan is due to for renewal in 2022, this will ensure environmentally
friendly options are adequately investigated.
Hand tools with replacement parts such as blades are purchased where available rather than
having to buy complete new items.
Folkestone and Hythe District Council 27
Kingsnorth Gardens Management Plan 2021 - 2025Any new equipment or furniture purchased must be sustainably sourced or use recycled materials
and add to the initiatives detailed above as part of the council’s ongoing commitment to protecting
the environment and achieving net-zero-carbon emissions by 2030.
8.8 Chemical Use
The GM department use chemicals for a wide range of applications, they are as follows (but not
limited too);
Parks - certain fence lines and play areas are treated twice a year which significantly reduces
the labour costs in keeping these parks safe and visually appealing. Also used in ponds to
control blanket weed.
Trees - Eco plugs are applied to tree stumps to inhibit regrowth where stumps are in locations
where they cannot be removed through grinding.
Wasps/Rats - Pests are treated with pesticides where public safety is impeded, there are
currently no cost effective alternatives.
Use of glyphosate is minimal within GM, with an average of just 55L being used annually
across the service in the last 5 years.
An exercise to assess current chemical use has shown that usage and staffing cost is low with most
areas receiving 2 visits per year and an average of 55L of glyphosate used per year. Investigations
into alternative methods such as hot foam, water or burner treatments would require between 8 and
16 visits per year and additional material costs. Mechanical options such as mechanical sweepers
and strimming also would require extra visits per year. As such, it is intended that the current use of
chemical treatment in parks and open spaces will continue as the alternatives are not cost or time
efficient.
8.9 Vehicles and Machinery
Council vehicles are purchased and re-newed on a roughly 8 year cycle. A procurement exercise
looks in particular at economy, efficiency, localism, specification and servicing plans. New vehicles
are purchased on a rolling programme in order to fit with available budget.
The fuel tank at Ross Depot not only provides financial benefits but reduces non-operational mileage
and time.
The composting machine adds to the sustainability aspect of the parks management. After
composting, green waste removed from the gardens is now re-used on site, eliminating the need to
purchase compost. This addition of any composted material also reduces the need for watering and
adds structure and nutrients to the soil.
Machinery is kept to a minimum with hand tools being used where ever possible. Using these more
targeted and traditional methods of grounds maintenance encourages better plant health and also
increases experience within the staff. The staff are also less susceptible to problems associated
with excessive machinery use such as hand arm vibration syndrome (HAVS). Noise pollution is also
reduced within the park creating a quieter environment for visitors.
8.10 Horticulture
Felled wood is chipped on site and used as mulch for new tree planting or flower beds.
Peat free or reduced peat material or alternatives such as in house produced compost and/ or
woodchip are used whenever possible. Nursery suppliers using peat based growing media are
asked to provide a Responsibly Produced Peat (RRP) certificate.
Following the summer season, hanging baskets are removed from throughout the district any
suitable plants are re-used in the gardens, grasses and laurels are good examples of this. Grape
Folkestone and Hythe District Council 28
Kingsnorth Gardens Management Plan 2021 - 2025hyacinths (Muscari armeniacum) have been used in the winter bedding and planted out in borders
following the change in seasonal bedding.
Horticultural methods commonly employed within the gardens and across the service include:
Deeply cultivate the soil, digging in large quantities of organic matter from Hawkinge
compost site, to improve soil structure, soil retention and water availability for plants.
Composted bark chippings i.e. mulches is sometimes used throughout our sites
Planting small specimens so the plant acclimatises to their growing environment gradually
as they develop.
Planting grey-green or silver leaved specimens as they reflect the sun’s rays, helping to
conserve moisture within the plant tissues.
Planting less hardy, silver leaved and sun loving plants in April help to establish their roots
well before the winter arrives.
Thoroughly watering in new plants and keeping them watered for the first season after
planting to ensure they establish well.
Most plastic pots used for growing herbaceous plants are sent back to the supplier for
reuse.
Seasonal bedding and other planting schemes are designed with pollinator friendly factor in
mind, focusing on variety of pollen- rich single-petalled flowers for ‘easy access’, bright
colours, different shapes and scent, prolonged flowering period.
Pollinator attractive seasonal bedding scheme
Folkestone and Hythe District Council 29
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